When y'all apply split shot to the line, just how much are we talking about?

I've got a box of wee little ones, but it seems like they're too small. I actually picked up a set of BB sized from the regular tackle, as I know that's what the steelheaders prefer, but that's almost too much it seems.

I use the "Water Gremlin" ones (with the ears) in size B (very small) and BB (pretty small). I pretty much gave up on micro shot, because they are difficult to put on, and almost impossible to take off. I use "Tungsten Tacky Weight" instead of micro shot.

And NO.......the ears have never made my fly or tippet spin, or hang up on the bottom like some claim. I've been using them for many years.

B's and BB's...Had the same pack for years. They occasionally end up in the same pile as the change my wife finds in the laundry...I probably have enough in the front pocket of my waders to refill the original bag.

I carry a winged watergremlin variety pack and use those for the most part... usually BB. I like getting my flies in the zone as fast as possible. Sometimes I find water where those small flyfishing shot can be useful, but I'll usually just go to a weighted fly first.

I try to stay small. The microshot are every bit as good at sinking nymphs as a beadhead. I like several of the tiny ones sometimes, depending upon the location. My preference is for Dinsmore, dimpled. I don't use them on dry flies at all.

Posted on: 2010/4/14 11:08

_________________Some people will never learn anything, for this reason, because they understand everything too soon.

I'm with pcray... I use the micros, but usually end up taking my bottom fly off to get them off the line and have some smaller winged bb's for a little bit bigger weight. I use some monster bb's for steelhead, but that's a different story. I put weight on about 90% of my nymphs to help take care of this problem. The more weight on my nymphs, the less I have to weight my line. I can hear my nymphs thud when I drop them in my container after I tie them up.

I like Dinsemore shot too. The dimple allows you to use your fingernail to pry them open, making it easy to take shot on and off, compared to other split shot brands I have tried.

I carry a shot wheel with sizes from #AB to #6 (I think). I use the #BBs, #1s, and #4s most often.

Posted on: 2010/4/14 16:32

_________________
"When one feels the rush of cold water against his waders, and pits his skill against the natural instincts and wariness of the trout, everything else is lost in the sheer joy of the moment."

I buy the "Super Doux" shot selections as it's the best that my local shop carries. The shot is easy to pinch and stays put. I use mostly the 4's and 6's but the smaller sizes are usefull, particularly for dry/dropper rigs, small flies just under the surface, etc.

I've used Dinsmore but don't like light weight of the tin shot and I don't like the ones covered in that green crap either. They don't hold the tippet well in my opinon and I even crimp them with pliers.

For larger shot I use Watergremlin. I also like the new non-toxic shot that they have. It's pretty shiny but it grabs the line well and has more than enough weight to it.

I don't use it often but there is probably 30lbs of it in my vest , everything from soft lead (like putty) , to various size shot to strips to lead core trolling line to use for sink tips and on and on and , i weight alot of my sub surface flies when i'm tying them so to answer this question as honestly as i can i gotta say that constant adjustment of the weight and placement of the weight is critical to success with sub-surface imitations , be willing to adjust when you need to , i know it's a hassle but if you at least lean (not because of the 30lbs of lead in your vest) in that direction , constant evaluation and adjustment of the weight will pay off.